Change In Epithelial Regularity After Transepithelial Prk In Highly Aberrated Corneas
Published 2023 - 41st Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: PO1051 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/jxaw-c356
Authors: Stefan Pieh* 1 , Cornelia Artmayr 1 , Viktoria Pai 1 , Daniel Schartüller 1 , Katharina Kriechbaum 1
1Medical University Vienna,Vienna,Austria
Purpose
In highly aberrated corneas, the epithelium can compensate stromal irregularities. After smoothing by transepithelial PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), the epithelium should become more regular. The aim of this study is to show possible changes in the corneal epithelial regularity and changes in epithelial thickness after superficial excimer laser treatment in highly abberated corneas.
Setting
Medical Univerity Vienna
Department of Ophthalmology and Optometrie
Methods
In a prospective study, epithelial thickness maps were determined in 20 highly aberrated corneas with an RMS HOA (Root Mean Square Higher Order Aberration) of 1.0 to 3.0 Eq.D (Equivalent Diopters) using an anterior chamber OCT MS-39® (Schwind). The central as well as the average epithelium thickness for the central 2,8 mm and 6 mm was evaluated. The fluctuations in the epithelium thickness were determined for the individual meridians and combined into an overall epithelial irregularity factor. After transepithelial PRK to smooth the corneal irregularities, the postoperative epithelial maps were evaluated and compared to the preoperative values.
Results
The epithelium is more regular than preoperative. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant decrease in epithelial thickness in the centre and in the 2,8 and 6 mm diameters.
Conclusions
The smoothing of highly aberrated corneas with a transepithelial PRK leads to a regularization of the corneal epithelium.